"The principal from SMK Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra, Kulai, was transferred to the Johor state education department while the principal from SM Bukit Selambau, Sungai Petani was transferred to the Kuala Muda district education office," he said in Parliament.

He was replying to a question from Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) on the action taken against the school principals who made racist remarks, The Star reports.

When Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) asked why action was delayed against the two, Mohamed Nazri said it was "better late than never."

He said this was the first time action was being taken against a civil servant for making racist statements, "so such things will take time".

Mohamed Nazri added that for the case in Kulai, there were many witnesses as the racist remark was made in a school assembly.

"The investigating officers had to take down the witness statements. We needed to investigate thoroughly to build a strong case and not one that can flip-flop," Mohamed Nazri said. (ANI)